Solo female travel in Savannakhet
Savannakhet, located in southern Laos, is the country's second-largest city and boasts a unique blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Buddhist temples. Savannakhet is a gem that overlooks the Mekong River, nestled between Thailand to its west and Vietnam to its east, making it a significant point of cultural and physical intersection. The city is known for its well-preserved heritage and offers attractions like the atmospheric old French colonial quarter with its sleepy, tree-lined streets, and the Dinosaur Museum. Spiritual seekers can get their fix at the beautifully adorned That Ing Hang Stupa and Wat Xayaphoum Temple. A must-visit is the Heuan Hin, an ancient Khmer path signifying an old stone house, paving the way for an interesting archeological journey. With its relaxed charm and slow pace of life, Savannakhet certainly offers a unique escape into a bygone era.
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Is Savannakhet good for solo travel?
Safety:Safe
Savannakhet, like most places in Laos, is generally safe for solo female travelers. The locals are typically friendly and helpful towards tourists. However, it's advised to stay cautious, especially at night, and stick to well-lit and populated areas. Scams targeting tourists aren't very common but practicing common sense and vigilance can go a long way in ensuring a safe trip.
Transport:Moderate
Savannakhet is moderately easy to navigate. The pace is slow and there's less traffic compared to bigger cities. While English is not widely spoken, locals are friendly and often help with directions. Bike or foot are common modes of transportation, and it's relatively small size makes it easy to explore. However, there are limited signposts in English and not much of public transportation system, which can make navigation challenging for non-Laotian speakers. Planning your route in advance and having a translation app can be helpful.
Things to do:Moderate
Savannakhet offers a unique mixture of old French Colonial buildings and Buddhist temples, showcasing a living history in every corner of the city. There's the beautiful That Inghang Stupa, a must-visit site of Hindu-Buddhist architecture. The city's Dinosaur Museum houses ancient dinosaur bones popular with palaeontology enthusiasts. The Mekong River provides scenic waterfront views, perfect for walks or chilling at riverside cafes. Although it may not be as bustling with activities as other destinations, it makes up for it with its relaxed atmosphere, culturally rich landmarks, and interesting local life.
Food:Above average
The food scene in Savannakhet is fairly diverse and enjoyable, boasting a mixture of traditional Laotian cuisine, French influences, and a sprinkling of other Asian delicacies. Street food is a must-try, with many vendors offering authentic, tasty and affordable dishes. The local markets are also a great place to explore and try fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. While the options are not as broad as in larger cities, the quality and authenticity of the food is impressive and offers an intimate experience of Lao culture.
Budget:Affordable
Savannakhet is considerably budget-friendly. Identifying as one of the least expensive countries in Southeast Asia, you can enjoy local meals, stay at decent accommodations, and engage in numerous sightseeing activities at a minimal cost. However, the lack of public transportation might urge you to use tuk-tuks or bicycles, slightly adding to your expenses.
Is Savannakhet worth visiting?
Solo travel experience
I felt very save (just be careful about dogs and drunk drivers at night). Great cafés all around town with local coffee Walk through the old town and find the newly painted murals all around. Visit the night market LaoChaLeun, walk along the Mekong River side, enjoy the sunset and amazing food and coffee at Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn. Book a tour or rent a (motor)bike with MarvelLaos.
Posted: November 19, 2023Experienced: March, 2023Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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